Mysterious Holes Appearing in Your Yard? 7 Causes and What to Do About Them

After investing so much time and energy into making our yards look great, it's incredibly frustrating to discover that some pesky animal has dug holes all over the grass.

How can you identify which type of animal is responsible for digging holes in your yard, and more importantly, how can you stop them? This guide will help you determine which pests might be causing trouble in your lawn and offer tips on how to keep them at bay.

Which Animals Dig Holes in the Yard?

It’s tough to know which animal is responsible for the holes in your yard unless you catch them in the act.

Depending on where you live, the following animals are often the culprits:

• Chipmunks
• Squirrels
• Rats or Mice
• Voles
• Moles
  
• Rabbits
• Armadillos
  

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

Tip

Noticing damage to your freshly laid sod? Raccoons are known to peel back fresh sod to eat grubs from the dirt attached to the sod’s roots. If you see this kind of damage, contact a local wildlife removal specialist. They'll be knowledgeable about local wildlife laws and can advise you on the next steps.

7 Animals That Might be Digging Holes in Your Yard

No matter which animal is digging holes in your yard, you can discourage their presence by reducing and eliminating food and water sources.

Food and water sources such as bird feeders, fruit trees, ponds, and irrigation hoses can attract animals by meeting their basic needs. Getting rid of these attractants can help make your yard less appealing and stop the digging.

Warning

Before trying to control any animals, check your local wildlife laws and consult your state’s fish and game or conservation department. Some animals may be legally protected, limiting how you can deal with them. Always follow local and state laws when it comes to pest removal.

Rodents

If you're noticing holes in your yard, there's a good chance it's some type of rodent. The term 'rodents' covers more than just mice and rats, and they come with risks.

Various rodents are not only happy to dig up your yard but could also make their way into your warm, cozy home. Whether it’s chipmunks, rats, mice, or squirrels, keeping rodents out of your yard is crucial to avoid them from moving into your house.

Tip

If you find bits of shredded plastic, bags, or food packaging, rodents may be nesting in your yard, using these materials for warmth in their nests.

Chipmunks

Chipmunks are small rodents known for their energetic behavior. They fill their cheeks with food and are experts at scampering across the ground or up trees.

Physically, chipmunks have:

• Reddish-brown fur
• White and black stripes down their back
• White patches on their cheeks
• Small bodies and long tails (2-6" long with a 3" tail)

Chipmunks prefer to nest and hang out in wooded areas. They are mostly ground dwellers but climb trees (and homes) in search of food and protection. They will dig in the yard to nest but are likely in search of food.

Chipmunks are known for digging up and eating insects, freshly planted seeds, and bulbs. They also love strawberries, as well as plums and apples, primarily for the seeds.

Squirrels

Squirrels might be fun to watch, but they can become a serious nuisance for homeowners when they cause damage or infestation.

In terms of physical appearance, squirrels:

• Are larger than chipmunks (10-24" long, depending on species)
• Range in color from grey to brown
• Have a white abdomen
• Sport a long, distinctly bushy tail

Whether it's burrowing, hunting for insects, or digging up nuts they buried for winter, squirrels can be very destructive, especially if they have a cozy burrow nearby.

Rats or Mice

Rats and mice burrow in yards primarily for nesting. They seek shelter and warmth underground. The problem? If they are nesting nearby, they will look for food around your house, and you do not want rodents scurrying outside your home.

Rodents like rats and mice are highly sensitive to airflow. Therefore, any small gaps leading from inside your house to outside will attract them because of the warm air and delicious smells. Rodents only need small spaces (as small as a dime!) to squeeze into your home. They can go from a minor problem to a full-blown infestation quickly.

To prevent rodents of any kind from invading your yard or home, reduce food and water sources and clutter around your property. Then, ensure your home is adequately sealed from top to bottom with a steel excluder, wire mesh, or metal flashing. Avoid using spray foam, as rodents can chew through it.

Voles

Also known as 'meadow mice', voles aren't actually mice, though they are closely related. Here are a few distinguishing characteristics:

• Darker in color (ranging from grey-brown to black)
• Similar size (3-9") but shorter tail
• Rounder head
• Smaller eyes
• Similar body shape to a hamster

Voles may seem tiny and harmless, but they can cause significant damage to yards and gardens with their foraging. Not only do they dig shallow burrows and runways, but they also damage vegetation as they go.

Address a vole problem quickly with the help of a professional. Left unchecked, they can overrun a garden or yard and cause serious damage to plant roots, bulbs, and young plants.

Non-Rodents

Moles

It’s easy to spot mole damage because of the distinct, small mounds of dirt they leave throughout lawns and gardens. Traps are the most effective way to control moles, but some states limit mole trapping, so be sure to check local regulations.

Moles are rarely seen during the day, as they spend almost all their time digging underground. When they do surface, their dark-colored fur keeps them well-camouflaged among the dirt.

If you have moles, you’ll likely see dirt mounds, tunnels, uneven patches of grass, and raised ridges throughout your landscape. Although the damage might be extensive, moles are territorial. For most properties, the damage is usually caused by just one mole.

Rabbits

With their long ears and soft, furry bodies, rabbits are easy to recognize. You may not know that rabbits often dig burrows underground, both for warmth and safety from predators.

While rabbits are unlikely to dig holes all over your yard, a hidden burrow could spell trouble for your plants.

Unlike most animals, rabbits will feast on a wide variety of plants including:

• Flowers
• Vegetables
• Shrubs
• Trees
• Grass shoots

Rabbit damage can significantly weaken plants, making them more susceptible to disease and pests. To discourage rabbits, clear debris and low-lying brush from your property. Consider installing enclosures to keep them out for good.

Armadillos

Armadillos, found mostly in the southern U.S. and parts of Central America, are nocturnal creatures with leathery armor and strong digging claws.

Typically found in wooded areas near rivers or ponds, armadillos are known for quickly creating destructive burrows. They can dig deep, long tunnels under your lawn, which can even cause pathways and sidewalks to collapse!

When they're not burrowing, they spend their time hunting for food, favoring bugs found in your lawn or garden. They also eat small amounts of fruit, veggies, tender plants, and smaller animals (like lizards, frogs, and snakes), but insects make up 90% of their diet. They dig with their claws to find them.

If an armadillo is digging holes in your yard, use fencing to keep them out of sensitive areas and contact a local wildlife control specialist for further assistance.

Signs of an Animal Digging in Your Yard

If you see holes in your yard, it’s not always easy to tell which animal is responsible. Start by determining whether the holes look like burrowing holes or foraging holes.

Burrowing holes will be deep and likely part of a tunneling system, while foraging holes will appear like parts of your lawn have been scratched away.

Burrowing pests typically hide in areas like woodpiles, brush, shrubs, dense vegetation, and clutter. Begin by clearing your yard and trimming plants to reduce hiding spots for these diggers.

What Causes Animals to Dig in the Yard?

Animals dig in your yard for one of two reasons:

• They’re constructing a burrow or tunnels
• They’re searching for food

While some digging is unavoidable, especially in the fall and early winter, try to reduce hiding spots and potential food sources to prevent animals from setting up camp in your yard.

How to Prevent Digging Animals in Your Yard

While knowing which animal is responsible can help with control, you don’t need to be certain to start taking steps to eliminate their presence.

Try these methods of control:

• Eliminate potential food sources like bird feeders and fallen fruit
• Reduce standing water wherever possible (e.g., kiddie pools, animal watering dishes)
• Set up barriers around vulnerable plants, such as vegetable gardens or flowers
• Use rocks or metal screening as a physical barrier in the dirt
• Trim back vegetation to reduce hiding spots for pests
  

FAQ

Why are animals digging in my yard?

Animals are likely digging in your yard because they are looking for food or have constructed a burrow for shelter.

Will the animal digging holes in my yard go away on its own?

The answer depends on the activity you see. Some of it is unavoidable, especially as animals like squirrels forage for winter. However, if the damage is extensive and recurrent, contact a wildlife removal specialist before it worsens.

How do I keep animals from digging holes in my lawn?

To keep animals out of your lawn, start by reducing food and water sources, especially bird feeders, fallen fruit, and open compost piles. Trim back surrounding vegetation, reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots, and fence off areas where animals shouldn’t be.